EVERY WEEK, TheJournal.ie casts its eye over events inside and outside Leinster House that have got people talking.
As the saying goes: ‘You win some, you lose some.’
So here are our political winners and losers from the past seven days:
1. Enda Kenny
There may well be a political gain from the Taoiseach’s handling of the Maíria Cahill controversy but more importantly it’s the right thing to do.
2. John Tierney
The Irish Water boss may have faced calls to resign this week but he’s survived and reckons he’ll still be in the job this time next year.
https://vine.co/v/Ohu0mbUbVMt
3. Phil Hogan
The former Environment Minister was confirmed as the new EU Agriculture Commissioner this week.
1. Gerry Adams, Mary Lou McDonald and all of Sinn Féin
It’s been a dreadful week for Sinn Féin as the party struggled to grapple with the enormity and seriousness of Maíria Cahill’s allegations. Adams was put on the back foot at Leaders’ Questions on Wednesday when we had the extraordinary sight of the Taoiseach asking him questions rather than the other way around. One Sinn Féin TD then rather inexplicably alleged media bias. While Mary Lou McDonald was conspicuous by her absence at question time on Thursday.
2. The independent TDs who shutdown the Dáil
A massive row over speaking time for members of the Technical Group saw the Dáil suspended for much of Wednesday. Catherine Murphy, John Halligan and Thomas Pringle say they had no choice, but the farcical scenes will do little to bolster the public’s perception of politics.
3. Michael McNamara
The Labour TD is playing a dangerous game as he admitted this week he went missing for the vote to establish Irish Water last year because he didn’t want to vote for it. It’s the second time the Clare deputy has gone against the party whip. Will it be three strikes and out?
Willie O’Dea
The Fianna Fáil TD says he won’t be giving Irish Water his PPS number. Does that make him a winner or loser? Over to you…
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